Readers have had much to say about recent posts concerning puppy mills and the importance of knowing where the 2008 Republican and Democratic presidential candidates stand on animal protection. Here are some of the comments we've received:
On puppy mills:
I see no reason whatsoever to allow the import (or export for that matter) of animals. Having helped out at a shelter for homeless pets, watching them stand in crates at the PetSmart trying to get adopted, is heartbreaking! Why allow more animals in, regardless of their breed. We have so many here in the U.S. that need good homes! It should not be allowed whether they are 6 weeks or 6 months. How can people be so selfish and uncaring? Why must they have a "pure breed" or some unusual, $10,000 pet? Whats wrong with the beautiful rescue or the stray that no one wanted? Just look into their eyes...! Let's start here, in the U.S. by finding homes for the millions that need them. Tear apart the puppy mills, end the torture and abuse, and find loving homes here. No need to fly or ship in more poor animals!
—Sherry
I have long thought that if newspapers would refuse to take ads from dog breeders the money these breeders make would be cut in half, maybe even more. Unless you hit these foul persons in their pockets, puppy mills will exist. People who buy these animals are as much to blame as the breeders. At least for the breeders is the money, however, for the buyer is is stupidity and snob appeal. The Houston Chronicle's "Dogs for Sale" columns triple during the Christmas season. Every fool out there is looking for a Christmas puppy. How incredibly sad. And unfortunate shelter puppies sit and wait... and wait. —Adele
As a former dog breeder of Shih-Tzus, I first became acquainted with puppy mills in the state of Florida. I was very particular of the home and evironment that I placed my puppies. Even with all the care I took requiring references, etc. Three of my puppies ended up in a puppy mill as breeders. Fortunately, I had a gentlemen who purchased one of them and ultimately purchased the other two siblings. He immediately, through the AKC, contacted me. My dogs were absolutely in horrible condition. Two of them did not make it as they were actually bred to death and lack of health care. Happily one of them did survive and was kept for the rest of her life in loving care. With the two of us working together and filing complaints we did eventually get that puppy mill shut down. Please, whether a breeder or private, support any legislation against puppy mills by your vote and/or financial support. These places are deplorable and the animal cruely is unimaginable. —J
On the 2008 presidential candidates:
Certainly, these are questions deserving of a direct response from the candidate. Additudes toward animal welfare can, and should be,a consideration as we choose our leaders, and formulate pressures on how our society reflects on these issues. —Peter
It's great that you will be posting the views of the presidential candidates on animal rights/humane issues. It's about time we know where the candidates stand on such matters. We need, in this country, not only a compassionate president, but more federal congressional members as well as individual state representatives and senators who care as deeply about animals in addition to other issues. And unquestionably, the laws need to be not only signed into law, but unless they are strongly enforced as well, they don't mean anything! —Joanna
We need compassionate political leaders that regard all life as special and worth fighting for. We need to stop the endless cruelty in our country of children and animals, and it starts with animals. Get rid of politicians that have no compassion. More and more people are joining the fight against cruelty and the politicians need to be aware that "we are mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore" and if they want our vote, they need to take a stand. They need to witness first-hand the suffering endured from dog fighting, puppy mills, horse slaughter, experimental labs, etc. —Jean
